The man found in possession of R1.2m and an undisclosed amount in Mozambican meticais briefly appeared in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court, Mpumalanga, yesterday.

According to Mpumalanga News, Eugine Julius Maguga (49) was remanded in custody until tomorrow when he is expected to apply for bail.

On Sunday, police received a tip-off about a man in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

As part of Operation Vala Umgodi (operation to deal with illegal mining activities), they went to Maguga’s house and conducted a search. Instead of finding the firearm, officers discovered a large sum of money.

#sapsMP A 49-year-old suspect was arrested by members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi at Tonga near Komatipoort on 16 March 2025 after being found with about R1.2 million in cash. The suspect is facing several charges, including money laundering, bribing a police officer,… pic.twitter.com/i2fYu10LN9

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 17, 2025

“The officers discovered some cash hidden under the mattress and in the wardrobe. They continued to search the house and discovered a bag full of money. Upon realising he was about to be arrested, Maguga tried his luck by attempting to bribe the cops with R50 000, but his attempts failed dismally,” says provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.

“The money was confiscated from the scene and will form part of our investigations.”

She adds Maguga was arrested immediately and is facing several charges, including money laundering, bribing a police officer, contravention of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011, and other related charges.

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